MOTOR CYCLE DESIGN

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 374, 8 November 1932, Page 2

MOTOR CYCLE DESIGN

LATEST MODELS RESEMBLE ■ FEATURES OF SMALL CAR. SILENT 0FERATI0N. , A motor-cycle has recently been introduced overseas by one of the world' s leading manufacturers, -the features of which closely resemble those of a car. It is a three-wheeled machine, having twin rear wheels. The engine is the same .as that of a popular "baby" sports car, with a capacity of 800 c.c. (four-cylinder, water-cooled). A standard clutch and gearbox are us'ed, and the drive is taken by a short shaft to a bevel wheel placed in an aluminium casing between the twin rear wheels., This arrangements is said to have many advantages over the usual motor-cycle chain transmission. It is equipped with an electric starter, a large battery being neatly stowed on the offside of the gearbox. Three speeds and reverse are provided. Brakes are inter-connected, and are of the internal expanding type. It is stated that, although the ground clearance is ample for rough country, the height of the saddle from the ground is only 25 inches. In a test of the machine over 100 miles it is reported that the powerweight ratio was so high that top gear was sufficient for all'normal running, and the lower ratios were required only in thicki traffic, and then only occasionally. A special and pleasing feature of this new motor-cycle is said to be its silence. The exhaust is muffled down with a long expansion chamber and fishta.il. A maximum speed of between 75 m.p.h. and 80 m.p.h. is claimed.